Unkown Origin of Vickers Valiant Solid Metal Model w/Stand

[b0yzero]

I have had this model for many years and only recently decided I should figure out exactly it is and who made it. I believe I have correctly identified it as a Vickers Valiant but there is absolutely no identifying marks on the model or the stand(which has green felt on its bottom). The aircraft model is solid metal and is extremely good condition. Only a couple minute chips and a little cosmetic wearing of the engine black out paint and one of the decals. I have often thought it seemed like a model that the aircraft manufacturer may have had produced for its executives. Can anyone help me identify what I have here and how to value it? Thanks!

[grwebster]

Is the finish and decal transfers original to the model?

Many postwar ID models of British aircraft were made for NATO in 1/72 by the Dutchman VERKUYL always in aluminum. He did not not mark his models with stores numbers, stickers, transfer decals, name or other information.

Is the stand is metal and original to the model? I would have to check to see if my NATO VERKUYL came with two holes. Verkuyl models were finished to a good degree of smoothness, normally painted black, but usually did not have markings for the flaps, landing gear etc, like yours. The jet exhausts were also hollowed out somewhat, like more than 1/4 of an inch in my experience.

I do have an example of a heavy metal {not aluminum} ID made in the UK for the British military of a Mig 15. It has a rather rough surface and was finished in gray paint. my sole example has a sticker with the makers name, Rowley Workshops, on it. Rowley also made WW II wooden models.

The third option could be as you mentioned, a Vickers manufacturers model. This could also have been made by Verkuyl from an ID model for Vickers if it is in aluminum.

Try and get Bryan Brown to look at it in person- He could narrow it down further for you.

[b0yzero]

First off, I want to apologize for the low quality pictures. My only digital camera is the one in my phone and its obviously not great.

I would estimate that the finish is most likely original. I conclude this by looking at the etchings of the flaps, horizontal stabilizers, gear doors, etc. under a magnifying glass. They were definitely etched after the model was painted/finished. The finish is of good thickness as evidenced at one of the small chips on the tail.

I have no idea whether or not the decals are original. They appear aged as if they were. The blacked out front windshield is of particular detail and most likely would have had to been done at production. The engine intakes and exhausts are not recessed and are both painted black and show wear. The port entry hatch is also black paint. Or were these black out areas all decals themselves?

I am not sure if the stand is original but believe there is a good chance it is as evidenced by the wear on the bottom of the fuselage where it holds the model. None of the wear on this area extends beyond where this mounting touches the model. This is true no matter which way the aircraft is set upon the stand. According to the wear, it appears that this is the only stand that has ever held this model. The base of the stand is made of two identical pieces of wood except the one on top is smaller than the base. The arm is a tarnished, bronze colored metal.

Finally, I came across a picture of a very similar model at this link: http://www.art-aviation.com/galerie10-Milit.htm (scroll down to the bottom of the page an you will see the Valiant.) The decal on the tail of this model is different and the windshield paint is different as well. Mine has two panes that have diagonal lines through them. Otherwise, it looks to be the same model.

I really appreciate your response. Solving this mystery has been a great experience and I will follow your advice and ask Bryan if he can further narrow it down for me.

[explane]

To me this looks suspiciously like a WESTWAY model. I base this on the fact that Westway did a number of variations of stands with a wooden foot and metal upright and this is very much in this "tradition". Westway also achieved superb finishes on their models.

[BWBrown]

I vote with Anthony. It appears to be too nice, too original, and too detailed to be an old ID model. I have no further insights to offer. Sorry! -- Bryan

[b0yzero]

Thanks to both of you for your comments! Do either of you have any idea how I would go about determining whether or not it is a Westway? My goal is to find out what the value of the model is or even a rough idea of what it might be worth. I sincerely appreciate any suggestions you can make.

[grwebster]

Metal models of this type, condition and size could sell for 800-1000$ on up in the USA- in the UK 1,000 Pounds or more.
It is not a $2,000 + model in any case in my opinion in the USA as it a rather obscure aircraft in the USA, but perhaps the market is better in the UK.
But why not post it on ebay UK and USA with reserves and see what the top bids are. That will give you an idea.
What did you pay for it?

[voodoo1200]

This is a Vickers Valiant by Westway models. I have the 1/50th scale version of this same model.....wing span about 36 inches

[b0yzero]

My model looks suspiciously like the one in the photo posted by voodoo1200 except that the windshield black out decals on mine are slightly different. I purchased this model at a thrift store in Tulsa, OK back in the 1990's and am sure I paid less than $10.00 for it. Having been a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines for nearly 20 years at the time, I was pretty certain that this model was something special and have enjoyed it over the years. I will take your advice and post it on Ebay with a reserve and see what comes of it. Thank you all for your input. It is quite fascinating.